11 Movies Every 20 Something Who’s Struggling With Adulthood Should Definitely Watch

Adulthood is bad. Not because of the sudden responsibilities it throws at us, but because of the denial we were living in. We grew up watching TV series like F.R.I.E.N.D.S and believing in Karan Johar’s idea of post-college life. Yes, they were extremely entertaining, but they pushed us into thinking that grown-up life will be extremely easy and fun, which it is, at some parts.

But, being an adult is challenging and believe me, no one prepares you for that challenge. What can be worse than not being prepared? Being disillusioned, which many of us are. At least I am. Someone once said that a good book can change your life, but I believe a good movie can do that too. I spent my college years watching beautiful films as I graduated from a media school, and some of them had a great impact on me.

So, for all the 20 somethings who are trying to figure out their way around life, here are some of the films which may help you with some directions.

1. Into The Wild (2007)

Image Source

Every millennial has felt this compulsive need to reject conventional expectations which the society has from him/her. Into The Wild tells the story of one such young man who attempts to completely ditch the idea of ‘success’ and tries to find himself. The movie is based on the life of Christopher McCandless and it stars Emile Hirsch and Kristen Stewart.

 

2. The Graduate (1967)

Image Source

This funky and floating 60s classic is about a guy dealing with his early 20s post-college angst in more than one ways. Apart from the excellent music by Simon & Garfunkel, the movie revolves around a twisted plotline about a graduate who’s caught in love web between his love and her mother.

 

3. Adult World (2013)

Image Source

It is very easy to get lost while waiting for your big break, especially if you are an artist. They story revolves around Amy (played by Emma Roberts) who is an aspiring poet but ends up working in an adult bookstore because she cannot find a job. She spends time taking guidance from her favourite poet, but is she able to make it?

 

4. Wake Up Sid (2009)

Image Source

Son of a rich businessman in Mumbai didn’t think that his life would turn around after college. He fails his final exams and leaves his house after having a big fight with his father. He makes a friend who helps him with his new found independence, and he discovered the potential within himself which he never thought would get him so much recognition.

 

5. Garden State (2004)

Image Source

After being estranged from his family for 10 years, a troubled young man returns home to his mother’s funeral. He suddenly faces all the things that are too real for a 20 something to face, including parent’s death and mental health issues. His encounter with a love interest confuses him even more in that situation. Garden State beautifully shows how even when your body is all grown up, your life necessarily isn’t.

 

6. Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Image Source

People call it a ‘chick flick’, but the movie asks a very important question to all the 20 somethings. “What sacrifices will you be willing to make to get to the top?” The story of a journalism graduate Andy (played by Anne Hathway) who ends up working in a fashion magazine due to lack of jobs in her field of interest raises a lot of important questions for all the budding writers and journalists out there.

 

7. Reality Bites (1994)

Image Source

A young and aspiring filmmaker, Lelaina Pierce (played by Winona Ryder), wants to make a film on people who want to find their own identity without having any role models and heroes. Settling for a low job despite being the valedictorian of her college, the move perfectly captures Lelaina and other yourgsters’ life in the 90s. The steamy love triangle between Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Ben Stiller just makes the story much more fun.

 

8. Post Grad (2009)

Image Source

After the college gets over, finding a job, finding love, and finding yourself become the three most difficult tasks in the world. Post Grad is the story of Ryden Malby (played by Alexis Bledel) who is trying to tackle unemployment and facing adulthood with everything she has got. Love comes and goes, but what remains in the end, is something much more valuable.

 

9. Obvious Child (2014)

Image Source

“Creative energy sometimes comes from the lowest point in your life.” A popular line from the film which gives all us millennials something to be happy about any problems we are currently facing. ‘Obvious Child’ is about a 20 something who gets pregnant by a guy who she met only once. The story brilliantly unveils the journey of the protagonist going through a major experience while everything else seems to be falling apart as well.

 

10. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Image Source

When we enter the real world, we have this assumption about love and romance in our head which makes us long, crave and search for love. But, it doesn’t make us think what if our love doesn’t love us back? Sometimes, you find ‘the one’ in someone but no matter how hard you try, you can’t become ‘their one’. This beautiful movie perfectly shows the expectation vs reality of young love.

 

11. The Lifeguard (2013)

Image Source

What is the worst thing about being in your 20s? The year 29! You are not 30, but no one considers you to be a 20 something anymore. This story is about a 29 year old girl who finds herself jobless and moves back to her parent’s house, which they are not very happy about. She starts working as a lifeguard at the community pool and gets romantically involved with a teenager. She feels lost. Confused. But the society cannot digest and doesn’t expect an almost 30-year-old to act like this.

 

BONUS: St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Image Source

One of the first films to explore the real meaning of living in your 20s, St. Elmo’s Fire is a must watch for all the millennials. You might not relate with all the nuances of the film because it explores a different time, but it will be a memorable experience watching Brat Pack’s transition into post-college life.

So what are you waiting for? Add these to your watch list already.

Cover Image Source 1, 2

📣 Storypick is now on Telegram! Click here to join our channel (@storypick) and never miss another great story.